DNA Aunt/Uncle Test

Find out whether you are the biological aunt/uncle of a child

This DNA Aunt/Uncle Test (Private Home Kit) is an ideal way to determine the likelihood that an alleged aunt or uncle is the biological aunt or uncle of a niece or nephew, when the parent(s) in question are not available for testing. The mouth swab can be collected quickly and discreetly in the privacy of your own home and sent to our laboratory for analysis. You will receive your results in your online account or by mail or email.

Usage

In the event that an alleged father or alleged mother is unavailable for testing, the missing parent’s siblings can be tested against the child using the DNA Aunt/Uncle Test to determine the likelihood of a biological relationship. However, if the parent(s) in question are available for testing, either the DNA Paternity or Maternity Test is always recommended over the DNA Aunt/Uncle Test.

Methods

During a DNA Aunt/Uncle Test, a buccal (mouth) swab sample is collected from the child and the alleged aunt/uncle. The sample contains cells, and most of the cells in our body contain a full set of genetic information in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). A person’s DNA represents a “genetic blueprint” and, like a fingerprint, it is unique to each individual.

At the laboratory, the DNA is extracted from the cell and specific regions of the DNA are amplified by a process known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Our test analyzes 16 to 27 of these specific regions, called short tandem repeats (STRs). STRs are regions of DNA in which a short DNA sequence is repeated multiple times. They are found throughout the genome and are highly variable, providing an accurate way to confirm or refute biological relationships.

Results

Your results will show two numbers (alleles) that indicate the number of repeats that you received from each parent at each STR. You may have two identical alleles at a marker, or you may have two different alleles. These allele numbers are compared between the alleged aunt/uncle and child, and a statistical analysis is performed based on the match type typically expected for true aunt/uncle and nephew/niece pairs, and a “kinship index” is obtained.

Biologically related aunt/uncle and nephew/niece pairs are typically expected to have a kinship index value that is greater than 1.0

The greater the kinship index value over 1.0, the higher the likelihood that the two individuals are biologically related

Individuals who are not biologically related are expected to have a kinship index value that is less than 1.0

Three Easy Steps

Step 1: Order test kit online

Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope

✓ Final report available 1-3 business days after the laboratory receives the samples

✓ Quickly collect samples in the privacy of your own home

✓ 24/7 online test status check

✓ Discreet online results option available

✓ No age limit

✓ Private and confidential

✓ State-of-the-art accredited testing laboratory

FAQ

What if the parties to be tested live in different cities, can you split the kit? Yes, the kit can be split and the sample collection components sent to each address separately. The collection components are individually barcoded, and will be tested together once the samples arrive at the laboratory. To order a split kit, please write the following into the Order notes box of the online order form “Please split kit”. Please also indicate the name and address to send each component. For example, please state “send the Alleged Aunt/Uncle’s portion to… (specify name and address)” and “send the Niece/Nephew’s portion to… (specify name and address)”.

What if I need a legal test? Legal testing requires you to attend an appointment for sample collection. If you need a legal test, purchase this kit and follow the enclosed instructions to pay the difference and switch to legal testing. Legal testing is available in the US, Canada and UK.

Is there an age limit? No. Any of the DNA tests can be performed on individuals of any age, even newborns. If the patient is a minor, the legal guardian must sign the DNA testing consent form.

How are the test kits stored? All test kits are stored at room temperature before and after sample collection.

Do the test kits expire? No. Test kits can be stored indefinitely prior to sample collection. Test kits should be returned for testing within 3 months after sample collection.

How is the DNA sample collected? DNA is collected by rubbing a brush gently inside the mouth against the cheek for 15 seconds. The collection is safe and painless.